Peat Briquettes will no longer be made after 2024.
Bord Na Mona has announced it will no longer harvest peat on its lands.
The decision comes after the company suspending operations last year.
Bord Na Móna are stopping the production of their briquettes. RIP the only thrill I get these days pic.twitter.com/kcX8TtrQ5X
— James Kavanagh (@JamesKavanagh_) January 15, 2021
It says it will continue to progress the Brown to Green strategy - which are of critical importance to Ireland achieving its renewable energy targets.
Director of Friends of the Irish Environment, Tom Lowes says this is a signficant move.
"This is a very important day for Ireland's transition to a society that's much more sustainable."
Bord na Mona says it will continue to fulfil orders of horticultural peat into this year.
Its peat briquettes will still be made until 2024 - that will happen at its Derrinlough factory in Co. Offaly.
Aw my beloved briquettes pic.twitter.com/48OqIeacev
— Marty Whelan (@martylyricfm) January 15, 2021
But there are fears that after this, some people may not be able to afford to heat their homes.
Independent TD Michael Healy Rae says today is a "very sad and dark day":
"Fuel poverty is something real and it affects thousands and thousands of households."
Meanwhile, he Kerryman asked "Do we want to do away with out horticultural industry completely?"
Today's announcement by Bord Na Mona has no impact on jobs.
The harvesting employees have already switched into rehabilitation roles.
